Golf Ball Retrieval Device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a golf ball retrieval device configured for retrofit to a putter grip. An exemplary embodiment generally takes the form of a cylinder having an interior space defined on one end, i.e. the golf ball receiving end, by a front diameter large enough to receive a golf ball and, on the opposite end of the interior space, i.e. the golf ball retention end, a rear diameter small enough to prevent a received golf ball from passing through. In some embodiments, the interior surface slopes from the front diameter back to the rear diameter. As such, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the interior surface of some embodiments operates to substantially define a space in the shape of a frustum. Advantageously, embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device receive, retain, and release a golf ball by leveraging only gravitational forces.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a great sport, universally enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.

Whether a player is 9 years old or 90 years old, the key to being a “low handicapper,” i.e. a skilled golfer, is superior shot accuracy. And, superior shot accuracy directly correlates with having a consistent swing. Having a consistent swing, however, is more easily said than done for most players, which is why it is not surprising that most players are “high handicappers.”

Fortunately, the game of golf is full of equalizers. For instance, high handicappers can compete with low handicappers through a score adjustment that reflects the difference in player skill levels. Similarly, older players can compete with younger players, who may be able to hit “longer” shots (yet not necessarily possess a better handicap), by beginning each hole at a forward tee location.

Despite all the equalizers that are built into the rules of the game, younger or more physically fit players have the inevitable advantage of endurance. The physical aspects of the game—walking the fairways, trudging through the rough in search of an errant shot, climbing into and out of bunkers, reaching down to retrieve a golf ball from the cup—take a significant toll on some players over the course of a round of golf. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a golf ball retrieval device that provides its user with a convenient way to retrieve a golf ball without physically taxing the user. Additionally, because every round of golf necessitates that a player retrieve a golf ball from a cup at least 18 times (once for each hole), and because a player will inevitably be equipped with a putter when retrieval of a golf ball from a cup becomes necessary, there is a need in the art for a golf ball retrieval device that can be easily retrofitted with, or included in, a putter.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The presently disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, are directed towards a golf ball retrieval device configured for retrofit to a putter grip. Some embodiments generally take the form of a cylinder having an interior space defined on one end, i.e. the golf ball receiving end, by a front diameter large enough to receive a golf ball and, on the opposite end of the interior space, i.e. the golf ball retention end, a rear diameter small enough to prevent a received golf ball from passing through. In some embodiments, the interior surface slopes from the front diameter back to the rear diameter.

One exemplary embodiment of a golf ball retrieval device comprises a receptacle configured to receive a golf ball and a means for mechanically coupling the receptacle to the grip of a golf club, such as a putter. The receptacle may be defined by an exterior surface substantially defining a cylinder and an interior surface substantially defining a space in the shape of a frustum. A golf ball may be received into the frustum shaped space. Once received into the frustum spaced space, the golf ball may be retained within, and released from, the frustum shaped space via leveraging gravitational force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the Figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. For reference numerals with letter character designations such as “102A” or “102B”, the letter character designations may differentiate two like parts or elements present in the same Figure. Letter character designations for reference numerals may be omitted when it is intended that a reference numeral to encompass all parts having the same reference numeral in all Figures.

FIGS. 1A-1C depict rear, side and front views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a golf ball retrieval device configured for retrofit to a putter grip.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict front, perspective and side views, respectively, of the exemplary FIG. 1 embodiment of a golf ball retrieval device mechanically coupled to a putter grip.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate the exemplary golf ball retrieval device embodiment of FIG. 1, mechanically coupled to a putter grip and being leveraged to retrieve a golf ball from a cup and ground surface, respectively.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the exemplary golf ball retrieval device embodiment of FIG. 1, shown in receipt of a golf ball.

FIGS. 5A-5C collectively illustrate the use of a golf ball retrieval device to retrieve a golf ball from a ground surface, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects, features and advantages of several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description in connection with the accompanying drawing(s). It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the present invention provided herein are illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. All features disclosed in this description may be replaced by alternative features serving the same or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined herein and equivalents thereto. Hence, use of absolute terms such as, for example, “will,” “will not,” “shall,” “shall not,” “must” and “must not” are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention as the embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as exclusive, preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

The presently disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, are directed towards providing a golf ball retrieval device. In some embodiments, the golf ball retrieval device may be configured to be retrofitted onto the end of a golf club such as, but not limited to, a putter. Advantageously, embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device may be configured such that a golf ball can be received into a sloped interior cavity of the device, lifted to a convenient height for easy transition from the device to a user and then released from the device by leveraging a gravitational force.

Turning now to FIGS. 1A-1C, rear, side and front views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment 100 of a golf ball retrieval device configured for retrofit to a putter grip are depicted. The body of the exemplary embodiment generally takes the form of a cylindrical receptacle having an interior space defined on one end, i.e. the golf ball receiving end, by a front diameter 105 large enough to receive a golf ball and, on the opposite end of the interior space, i.e. the golf ball retention end, a rear diameter 110 small enough to prevent a received golf ball from passing through. That is, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that an embodiment of a golf ball retrieval device will have a front diameter 105 that exceeds the diameter of a golf ball and a rear diameter 110 that is less than the full diameter of a golf ball. Notably, it is also envisioned that some embodiments will include a front diameter 105 that does not exceed the diameter of a golf ball, although preferred embodiments may include a front diameter 105 that exceeds the diameter of a golf ball.

The exterior surface 135 of the receptacle may be cylindrical, although the particular geometric form defined by the exterior surface 135 of the receptacle is not limited by the present disclosure and, as such, is envisioned to take any form that may be considered aesthetically desirable for a given embodiment of a golf ball retrieval device. The interior surface 115 in the exemplary embodiment is depicted to “slope” from the front diameter 105 back to the rear diameter 110. As such, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the interior surface 115 of the exemplary FIG. 1 embodiment operates to substantially define a space in the shape of a frustum. Even so, it is envisioned that other embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device may include interior surface 115 features that are not sloped, per se, but rather include curved aspects. As non-limiting examples, embodiments may include interior surfaces that are concave or convex in form. Regardless of the particular geometry defined by the interior surface 115 of a given embodiment, the interior surface 115 will be suitably sized for retention, and release, of a golf ball, or other ball, without the need to leverage a force other than gravity. Advantageously, embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device receive a golf ball with a “scooping motion” and then retain and release the golf ball by leveraging only gravitational forces.

The front lip aspect 125 of a golf ball retrieval device may vary in thickness according to the embodiment and, as such, the particular thickness of a front lip aspect 125, which is generally determined by the difference in diameters of the exterior surface 135 and front diameter 105, will not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, it should be noted that not all embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device will include a front diameter 105 that is associated with a circular geometry and, therefore, it is envisioned that some embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device may include a “flat” aspect that generally defines a secant of the generally circular golf ball receiving end associated with front diameter 105.

Some embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device may also include a coupling means 130 configured to be received into the end of a golf club grip. As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, typical grips for use on golf clubs may include a hole for relieving air pressure as the grip is installed onto the end of a club shaft. Once the grip is installed, the hole remains and, often, is positioned over the butt end of the club handle. Advantageously, embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device that include a coupling means 130 may be coupled to a golf club, such as a putter, by inserting the coupling means 130 into the grip hole. Notably, the coupling means 130 may be configured to facilitate easy insertion into the grip hole and promote retention therein after installation.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict front, perspective and side views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment 100 of a golf ball retrieval device. In all three views, the embodiment 100 is shown mechanically coupled to a putter grip 205 that has been installed over the shaft 210 of a golf club. Notably, for illustrative purposes, the coupling means 130 is depicted by hidden lines in FIG. 2B.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an exemplary golf ball retrieval device embodiment 100, mechanically coupled to a putter grip 205 and being leveraged to retrieve a golf ball 305 from a cup 310 and ground surface 310, respectively.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the exemplary golf ball retrieval device embodiment 100, shown in receipt of a golf ball 305. Notably, as described above, the front diameter 105 is large enough to define a front opening operable to receive the golf ball 305 while the rear diameter 110 is small enough to prevent the golf ball 305 from passing through the body of the device. Further, the interior surfaces 115, being generally sloped between the edges defined by the front and rear diameters 105, 110, operate to define a frustum-like space configured to accommodate a received golf ball 305. Advantageously, the frustum-like space may be leveraged along with a gravitational force to hold the golf ball 305 within the device and/or release the golf ball 305 from the device.

FIGS. 5A-5C collectively illustrate the use of an exemplary embodiment 100 of a golf ball retrieval device to retrieve a golf ball 305 from a ground surface 310. At FIG. 5A, the golf ball 305, which may be at rest on ground surface 310, is received by the exemplary golf ball retrieval device 100 as the device is brought down onto the ball 305. At FIG. 5B, the exemplary golf ball retrieval device 100 is translated forward such that a gravitational force on golf ball 305 causes the golf ball 305 to rest within the interior frustum-like space of the device. At FIG. 5C, the exemplary golf ball retrieval device 100 is swung further forward, thereby lifting the golf ball 305 off the surface 310. As described prior, the gravitational force may be subsequently leveraged to release the ball 305 by rotating the orientation of the exemplary embodiment 100 such that the larger front diameter 105 substantially faces the ground surface 310.

A golf ball retrieval device and method for its use has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device. Some embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device that are described and embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that golf ball retrieval devices and methods for their use is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather, the scope of the golf ball retrieval devices and methods for their use is defined by the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf ball retrieval device comprising: a receptacle configured to receive a golf ball, wherein the receptacle comprises: an exterior surface substantially defining a cylinder; and an interior surface substantially defining a space in the shape of a frustum; wherein a golf ball may be retained within, and released from, the frustum shaped space via leveraging gravitational force.
 2. The golf ball retrieval device of claim 1, further comprising: a coupling means for mechanically coupling the golf ball retrieval device to a golf club.
 3. The golf ball retrieval device of claim 2, wherein the coupling means mechanically couples the device to the golf club by interfacing with a hole in the grip of the golf club.
 4. The golf ball retrieval device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of a front end of the frustum shaped space exceeds the diameter of a golf ball.
 5. The golf ball retrieval device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of a front end of the frustum shaped space is less than the diameter of a golf ball. 